Gerald Arthur "Art" Kilgore
April 24, 1921 - July 3, 2012
Obituary
Gerald Arthur “Art” Kilgore
Art was born April 24, 1921 in Athena, Oregon. He passed away peacefully at Aegis of Kirkland, Washington on July 3, 2012 at the age of 91 years. Art served in the US Coast Guard during WWII. He married Doris Skaret on Oct.6, 1944, and they adopted their daughter Marla in 1963.
Art opened the first Auburn Safeway in 1958, and in 1962, Art and Doris moved to Fairbanks, Alaska to open a local Safeway Store there. They later moved back to Auburn, Washington where he started his own grocery store and rental proprietorship in Auburn in 1966. Art opened Art’s Highway supermarket, which had ice machines and apartments above his store. He sold the store in 1971 but retained the apartments. He continued maintaining properties until his late 70’s.
He is preceded in death by his wife Doris, in 2006. He is survived by his daughter Marla Benjamin, niece Edna Gessel, other nieces, nephews – including several great-great nieces and nephews.
Art was commonly known as Auburn’s south-end mayor, and he was honored as one of Auburn’s local legends in 2003. A celebration of his life will be Saturday, July 14th, 1:00pm at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd Sea-Tac, WA. Memorials in Art’s memory may be made to, Aegis of Kirkland Resident Fund, 1300 Totem Lake Blvd., Kirkland, WA 98034
Hi Marla,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. I have many happy memories of spending time with you and your parents when we were very young. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Shelli
Marla, I am sorry for the grief you must be going through. Your dad will live forever in the memories of those who knew him. My view is still that of a 12 year old, when I last saw him; my memories are that of a decade living next to his store. He really was generous with us, hosting parties at your house and taking weekend trips to the Hood Canal with Nancy in tow. I remember how he would come home from the Store to have lunch at your house, and how he always kept sodas in the fridge in the garage. He was always active, whether at the Store or up-keeping his properties. He acted gruff, but I had glimpses of the smiles on his face after such a “performance”. He will now rest in peace. I wish for you – Angels to guide you through your emotions of loss.
Marla,
So sorry for your loss. Your Dad certainly had a full life and was active in the community. A time will ome that will turn your tears to memories that make you smile. My thoughts are with you during this tough time.
Art Kilgore was one of a kind, along with his wife Doris:) I grew up on H st se, and yes he was the Mayor of the small town when it was a small town:) Many of us neighborhood kids , now in our 40″s and 50″s will always remember the great times we had with Art and his family. oh and yes Arts Highway Super Market was a staple for my family and I growing up:))) RIP Dear friend, Lord knows you have many of them…God Bless :))
May the family find comfort in fond memories and in knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34:18) Our loving Creator, Jehovah God, has promised to soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25:8) With deepest sympathy.
Marla,
I’m sorry for your loss. You were always “Daddy’s Girl” and I’m sure you will miss that relationship. I am so glad my family was able to visit you and your folks a few years back. Actually, it was 17 yrs ago! I treasure your friendship and have many fond memories of time at your house with both of your parents and root beer floats!. I remember the 4th of July parties in your back yard with the bagpipe parade and blanket toss! I remember your dad giving us a motorcycle ride in your back yard and playing in the playhouse he built for you. He was a good father. May God fill your heart with peace and comfort during the grieving process and may you know that God is always with you as your heavenly Father.
Love you, Nancy
Marla,
I’m sorry for your loss. You were always “Daddy’s Girl” and I’m sure you will miss that relationship. I am so glad my family was able to visit you and your folks a few years back. Actually, it was 17 yrs ago! I treasure your friendship and have many fond memories of time at your house with both of your parents and root beer floats!. I remember the 4th of July parties in your back yard with the bagpipe parade and blanket toss! I remember your dad giving us a motorcycle ride in your back yard and playing in the playhouse he built for you. He was a good father. May God fill your heart with peace and comfort during the grieving process and may you know that God is always with you as your heavenly Father.
Love you, Nancy
So sorry to hear of Art’s passing, he was a very special person and a long time friend. I also grew up on H St. and worked for art at the highway supermarket, i often ran in to Art around Auburn over the years since i was employed by the city Auburn and even thou i’m 65 years old he still would call me Baerny kid as he did when i was 12 years old.I will miss his big smile and sharp wit, as i;m sure you do to.
Deep thoughts, Russ Baerny
Sorry to hear about Art passing. I’ve known him most of my life. My parents and grandparents knew him way before I came along. My grandparents used to own the building the Market was in along with the apartments above before Art bought it. Way back when, there used to be a “CardRoom” upstairs. I have many fond memories of Art and “H St.”. Auburn has lost a truly “Great-Link” to the Good Ol Days !!!
Marla,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Your family and Art’s Highway Supermarket were very important parts of my childhood memories. We still called the store Art’s, even after it became Stop’nGo and some other names. I always remember playing outside around the apartments and going into the store to buy candy. Robbie (the one-armed man who lived at the senior center) would always walk by on his way to the store and stop and give us candy. I remember playing at your house as a little girl. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. May he be resting in peace with our dear Lord.
Fondly, Mardiece
I am just learning of Mr. Kilgore’s passing. I had the privilege of working with him briefly, as a home care companion…it was a pleasure helping him. He kept me laughing in that brief month or so. I will not forget him…I still remember and often mock his “well” as the word often preceded ideas or comments he shared with me. I am thankful for our paths crossing.
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